Serviced office market changing the way businesses work in Manchester

13th April 2012

The significant increase in the number of serviced offices in Manchester’s city centre is changing the way people within the fast-changing city work, according to new figures.

Researchers indicate the number of serviced offices in the Lancashire city has doubled since 2005 with as many as 13,000 city centre workers now based in serviced office space, which includes a workstation and additional business amenities as part of a monthly fee.

Consequently Manchester is now the second largest market in the UK for managed space to let, and the seventh largest in the entire world. This latest report from serviced office broker, Instant, revealed the average cost of a workstation in Manchester stands at £276 a month.

Patrick Elliott, chief executive of Instant, said: “The pace of the serviced office market growth is impressive considering we’re in a global recession. We believe the reason for the growth is that advances in technology have revolutionised the way businesses occupy office space.

“For example, the internet has allowed workers to have greater flexibility relating to when and where they work.

“However, they still require a suitable environment from which to conduct business. As the amount of permanent office space per employee decreases, companies are becoming more efficient with their use of space but also more exposed when sudden increases in headcount are required. Growth of the flexible office market can be attributed to this shift.”

There is certainly demand for managed office space in Manchester and at anyspacedirect.co.uk we have our own portfolio of attractive business centres each offering office space, studio space and workshops to rent as well.

A growing alternative to serviced office space is the concept of hot desking. This idea is ideal for freelancers and entrepreneurs alike with the ability to touch base at one of many attractive business locations and pay for the privilege on a daily or monthly membership basis.

The evolution of co-working space alongside the traditional office space market has occurred due to entrepreneurs and small business start-ups that require a location to develop their business presence without the long term commitment of a commercial property lease.